One thing I must say is that things don't always go as planned. We can plan for the best but sometimes things are out of our hands. With that being said, it's still nice to know you have options and to plan in advance.
My first time giving birth, the only options I thought I had were to either go all natural with no drugs or to get an epidural. The contractions kicked in and I didn't think I could deal with the pain, so an epidural it was for me. The problem with that was, I was so numb I couldn't feel anything and they had to "help" me get her out. I decided that if I ever had anymore children I would definitely want to go all natural. I accomplished that mission but wasn't able to do it again with baby number three.
I decided to get another epidural but another problem presented itself. Only one side of me was numb! I could still feel everything on the right side of my body. So with baby number four, you guessed it! I went natural. No drugs at all. It wasn't until I enrolled in my doula training that I actually learned that there were several other options than the ones that I had heard of. So let's dive into it!
Medicated Options
There are several medicated options available if you're planning to give birth in a hospital. When you think about medicated options, just keep in mind that this means that you'll be using medicated options to help decrease or even completely get rid of any pain you're having during labor and delivery. It's also important to remember whatever medication you decide to use there is potential for it to affect your unborn baby. Please be sure to have discussions with your provider so you can make an informed decision.
Nitrous Oxide is mostly known to be used during dental procedures. This is mainly used in places like Europe and Australia, but it's becoming more popular in the US. Nirtous Oxide has been known to help reduce anxiety. This helps to take your mind off the pain but it doesn't take all of the pain away.
Opioids are typically given in your IV. These can help reduce any pain that you're experiencing, but like Nitrous, it won't take the pain completely away. It helps you relax and it doesn't take long to kick in. They don't always work that well for pain. They can also make people nauseous or cause vomiting. Your unborn baby can be affected as well. Opioids can cause breathing problems and drowsiness for the little one. This could make it hard to breastfeed, if you plan to, once your baby is born.
Next is that lovely epidural I was telling you about. This is a pain block that is placed in the lower part of your back. A small tube is placed inserted so that pain medication can be continuously administered. You will become numb and sometimes, a little too numb. You'll be awake but there is a chance you could still feel some stretching and pressure. Your blood pressure could potentially drop during labor and it could also slow down your baby's heart rate. If you're a person who wants to walk around during labor, this may not be the best option for you. Being numb from the waist down, doesn't really give you that option.
There's a spinal block that can be used. This is usually used for C-Sections but it can be used to help alleviate any discomfort felt while you're in labor. This can be given in combination with an epidural (spinal epidural block). It's done very similarly to how the epidural is done, injected into the lower back. It takes effect really quickly, unlike the epidural that could take up to 15 minutes to start working.
Now what about natural birth or birth without medications/interventions?
Natural birth options
Hydrotherapy is when a mom can either stand in the shower with warm water or be immersed in a birthing tub. Being in warm water helps relieve the pressure and discomfort that she could be feeling.
Hypno-birthing uses a combination of calm breathing, guided meditation, affirmations, and visualization to help reduce the pain, fear, and anxiety that can accompany child birth. There are teachers certified in hypnosis that can teach the techniques needed for this.
Heat and cold packs can be used on specific areas or muscles to help reduce pain as well. Always be sure to check the temperature before placing the packs on the area. We don't want them being too hot or too cold.
Whatever you decide, always talk to your healthcare team, so everyone is on the same page. Also, don't feel pressured one way or the other to choose a natural birth or a medicated birth. You have to do what works best for you! As always, sending you peace, love and light.
Tiffany Underwood
Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula
Childbirth Educator
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